Can you drive a vehicle looking at the rear-view mirror all the time, or most of the time, or half the time, or even one-quarter of the time of your journey? It can only be occasional even if there is a glorious sunset behind, with the focus firmly on navigating the path ahead.

Neighborhoods are very important. They give you the space and peace of mind to be yourself – to grow and prosper; or, on the other hand, engulf you in anxiety and chaos. A pragmatic way to tackle the neghbourhood is to help (to whatever extent feasible), whenever in real need, with an open heart and without chest thumping that dissipates all the good done. The other is to respect and measure constantly, both friends and foes alike. And, if possible, teach your people to do the same, especially the respect and avoiding the chest thumping bit.

Building difficult scenarios … A, B, C, D, … and then seeing each time who all do you turn to for support when in trouble. And, for what all? It is a tiny link in a chain that makes or breaks.

Usually, negotiating a sector or a theatre is preferable than a few points of dispute even if it takes longer.

Shouldn’t taking care of each member of the population, inclusiveness, particularly getting the poorest involved in the development process starting with hamlets and villages, be the key in all decision making if we truly want to strengthen the country? We can’t afford not to see, and let development by pass entire Bastis in our villages